The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Sunday called on its members and other media practitioners to adhere to the ethical guidelines of the profession amid allegations of ‘pay for positive interviews.’
“Difficult as it is, we cannot take pride in calling ourselves journalists without adhering to the basic standards and guiding principles of the profession,” the NUJP statement read.
It noted that solicitation and acceptance of compensation in exchange for favorable coverage threatens editorial independence.
Meanwhile, it acknowledged that “solicitation and paid content are common practices in the profession.”
The NUJP issued the statement after two broadcasters rejected insinuations that money changed hands when they interviewed a business couple—Sarah and Curlee Discaya—linked to controversial flood control projects several months ago.
The Discayas admitted in a video clip during their interview with Julius Babao that their construction businesses flourished when they secured projects from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). They were also seen flaunting their 40 different luxury cars in the episode.
Dr. Danilo Arao, professor of journalism in UP Diliman, said the NUJP statement is a “timely reminder to reaffirm the highest professional and ethical standards of journalism.”
“Media owners should be reminded to create an atmosphere conducive to media practice by, among others, ensuring better pay and working conditions. The problems hounding [the] media are structural and systemic, not just confined to certain individuals,” Arao said.
The professor shared that ending the practice of paid content requires strict prohibition at the organization level adding that news media organizations already have internal guidelines. He emphasized that journalists should not use financial challenges as an excuse to compromise media ethics.
